Introduction
This brief is part of the Human Services Programs in Rural Contexts Study, which employed a mixed methods research design involving engagement with human services subject matter experts, analysis of administrative and secondary data, and interviews with human service practitioners across 12 rural communities to achieve the following: 1) provide an in-depth description of human services programs in rural contexts; 2) determine the remaining need for human services in rural communities; and 3) identify opportunities for strengthening the capacity of human services programs to promote the economic and social well-being of individuals, families, and communities in rural contexts.
Purpose
The purpose of this brief is to provide federal, state, and local policymakers, program administrators, staff, and partners with a series of lessons learned and practitioner recommendations to help inform HMRF policy and service delivery moving forward.
Key Findings and Highlights
HMRF funding to rural areas is concentrated in certain parts of the United States, while there appears to be more remaining need in the Western part of the country and in the Delta (Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi); Appalachia (Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia); and Native Lands rural regions (Eastern Arizona, New Mexico, Alaska, among other areas).
There are many opportunities for strengthening HMRF programs in rural communities. These include improving flexibility in federal and state guidelines, implementing a culturally-appropriate curriculum, and addressing technological needs in the wake of COVID-19.
Practitioner recommendations encompassed embedding staff and services in the community, enabling flexible program delivery and local adaptations, simplifying and streamlining requirements and processes across human services programs, and providing staff training.
Citation
Cain, A., E. Ward, J. Murdoch, and N. Chakraborti. 2022. Exploring Remaining Needs and Opportunities for Improvement in Rural Communities: A Focus on Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood (HMRF). OPRE Brief #2023-043. Washington, DC: Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.